US Shipbuilder Begins Fabrication Of Amphibious Assault Ship Bougainville

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th October, 2018) The fabrication of steel for the newest US America-class assault ship Bougainville has begun, signifying the onset of the vessel's construction, Huntington Ingalls Industries announced in a press release on Tuesday.

"The start of Bougainville, our 16th large-deck amphib, allows us to continue the serial production of these great ships," Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias said in the release.

The Bougainville will add a well deck to the classic America-class design, giving Marines the ability to house and launch two air cushioned hover craft, the release said.

In addition, the Bougainville will include a larger flight deck configured for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and Osprey V-22 aircraft, which can be used for surface and aviation assaults, the release noted.